Page 135 of Once Upon A Haunted Castle
Chapter Five
The smudge ofclouds that gathered around the setting sun were vivid red against the black sky and cast a warm glow on Caerlaverock’s sandstone walls. The inverted reflection of the castle and sky in the moat added to the breathtaking view.
The striking stronghold sat in the middle of a wide moat. The triangular shape had twin towers at the north gatehouse and one tower at the south. Lofty battlements on its two other sides were connected with an overly high curtain wall. Built for defense, the imposing fortress looked impossible to breach.
The design touched her. Along with its strength, there was a beauty in the lines, the position of the moat. Put all the elements together and, as Laura waited for Jamie’s order to proceed, she was overcome with the building and couldn’t find the words to express it.
Jamie moved the group forward.
“The castle is impressive even in the darkening sky,” Jamie said with pride. “You haven’t been here since the building’s completion.”
“It pulls at my heart with its beauty and purpose. It represents all I hold dear in a person, if that’s possible, heart, soul and strength. I understand why Father was taken with the plans. He sat with Herbert and discussed the unique design. At the end of our trip, Father talked about the castle all the way back to Glen Kirk. Mother, on the other hand, hoped it didn’t flood like the old one.”
They crossed the moat on the timber bridge and rode through the arched stone gateway. They emerged into a courtyard quieting down for the day. The lattice oak portcullis with metal daggers on the bottom strained on its chains as it slid down the groove and settled into place behind them with a final thud.
Jamie helped her down from her mount while Sean saw to the horses and the men. A quick shake out of her skirts to dislodge some of the dust from their travels, she didn’t bother with the wrinkles and she was ready to see her family. Jamie escorted her into the gatehouse.
“It’s as fine inside as out,” she murmured as they walked into the solar.
“Ah, Laura. How good to see you. When the battlement guards reported a woman with Jamie, I assumed he brought Darla. You are a pleasant surprise.” Herbert rose from his table strewn with papers.
She gave him a peck on the cheek. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Cousin Herbert. She and Father remained at Glen Kirk. They weren’t up for a visit, not yet.”
“How insensitive of me. Of course, she’s still in mourning. We all feel your sorrow.” He put a fatherly arm around her and led her to a chair.
“My wife has left with your cousins and all her staff to visit her family in Pencaitland. I’m afraid it’s just me you’ll be visiting.”
“That’s fine,” she smiled through her disappointment. She knew his wife’s staff and could easily ask questions about Evan and Angel. Now it might be more difficult to start those conversations, but she had every intention of bringing the ghost to rest.
“Jamie mentioned Evan and Angel’s deaths and that a ghost haunts the castle. Mother sent me in her place.” She didn’t miss the pleading look Herbert gave Jamie. Did he also think of her as a child? Did no one think her capable?
“Of course. Your help is greatly appreciated. Why don’t you get settled and we can talk about it at supper. Without my family here, I’m afraid I’m your only entertainment.”
“I appreciate your concern, but I’m here for a purpose.” If her cousin had a pleading look before, he was downright begging Jamie for support now.
Laura pulled out a letter from her pocket and handed it to Herbert. “Mother asked me to deliver this to you as soon as I arrived.”
“Ah, here is Mrs. Turner. She’ll show you to your room.”
“We met Donaldat the River Annan. He asked that I tell you to watch your back especially for the next few days. There’s a traitor in our midst.”
“Yes. It confirms our suspicions. I’m glad I had Oliver take my family to Pencaitland while you were gone.” Herbert returned to his seat. “Keep close to Laura. You’ll escort her everywhere and see to her wellbeing. She’d run over anyone else. You know how to handle her.”
“Of course.” He chaffed at Herbert’s decision. He’d approach him later to discuss someone else keeping Laura occupied. He’d be more useful to Herbert searching out the traitor than playing the courtier to Laura.
Jamie glanced out the window and spotted her and Mrs. Turner crossing the courtyard to the guesthouse. He should never have agreed to bring her to the castle. The thought died as soon as he acknowledged it. She would have found another, more dangerous, way. Five days. Keep Laura safe while she put Evan’s ghost to rest and find the traitor before he struck. He’d have to find a way to do them both.
Laura examined thefine stonework and relief carvings on the buildings as she crossed the courtyard. Structures were built against the curtain wall, with a walkway between the wall and buildings for troops to move. It wasn’t lost on her that the primary function of the castle was for defense, not to keep her cousin or mother dry.
“It’s good to see you. I was sorry to hear about your brother.” Mrs. Turner brought her to a room on the second floor of the guesthouse.
“Thank you,” she murmured. Richard hadn’t been far from her thoughts. Teaching Jamie Richard’s favorite charge, it was almost like Richard was with them.I can’t bring your murderer to justice, but I vow I will bring Evan and Angel the justice they deserve.She fingered the warm beads around her neck. She had voiced the truth.
“The fire is lit and I’ve had a bath brought up for you.”
Getting out of the clothes she wore for the last two days and soaking some of the soreness out of her bones, to say nothing of the grit from the road, sounded like heaven.
Her satchel at a doorway, Mrs. Turner picked it up and led her into a modest-sized, cozy room with large windows that faced the courtyard. The woman opened her satchel and held up a very wrinkled dress. “I’ll bring this down to the laundry and freshen it for you.” She continued to put away Laura’s things.
